Switch mechanism for overhead trolley

ABSTRACT

A switch mechanism for use with an overhead track network is adapted to be inserted between spaced apart end sections of a plurality of track elements for selectively directing a trolley riding thereon from one to another of the elements wherein each of the track and switch elements are of like circular crosssection, having internal fixed and/or hinged couplings therebetween to minimize the interference encountered by the trolley as it passes from element to element.

United'States Patent 1191 1 Swilley [45] June 25, 1974 [54]SWITCHMECHANISM FOR OVERHEAD TROLLEY [75] lnventor: Wilson H. Swilley,Richmond, Calif.

[73] Assignee: The Cincinnati Butchers Supply Company, Cincinnati, Ohio[221 Filed: June 19, 1973 [21] App]. No.: 371,347

51 Int. Cl ..E01b 25/26 [58 Field of Search 104/101, 96, 100, 103,104/130-132 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,944,491 7/1960Fiell 104/103 3,735,709 5/1973 Matsumoto 8t 81 104/130 FOREIGN PATENTSOR APPLICATIONS 636,988 10/1936 Germany 104/101 11/1952 Germany 104/10112/1934 Great Britain 104/ 100 Primary ExaminerM. Henson Wood, Jr.Assistant Examiner-Andres Kashnikow Attorney, Agent, or Firm-J. WarrenKinney, Jr.

[ 5 7] ABSTRACT A switch mechanism for use with an overhead tracknetwork is adapted to be inserted between spaced apart end sections of aplurality of track elements for selectively directing a trolley ridingthereon from one to another of the elements wherein each of the trackand switch elements are of like circular cross-section,

having internal fixed and/or hinged couplings therebetween to minimizethe interference encountered by the trolley as it passes from element toelement.

18 Claims, 7 Drawing [Figures PMENTED 3,818,836

sum 1 m 2 z A 64, K 24 58 6 ,0 44 FIG 5 6 56 54 38 1 +--A hi W SWITCHMECHANISM FOR OVERHEAD TROLLEY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is commonpractice to employ overhead conveyors in various types of warehouses,for example garment storage warehouses where as many as fifty garmentsmay be stored on single rods or hangars, and other establishmentswherein objects are likewise suspended and conveniently transferred bymeans of wheeled trolleys. The conveyors may consist of horizontal andsometimes inclined tracks over which the trolleys are movable to carrysuspended objects along a track network which mayinclude a number ofspur tracks for delivering the objects to various stations or locationsoff the main line of track. Where spur tracks are employed, it isnecessary to install switching mechanisms in the main line of the trackfor directing the trolleys and their loadsto the various stations orlocations.

Most overhead track systems include track elements of narrow,rectangular cross-section which require precise alignment-of the tracksto ensure proper and free suspension of the trolley mechanism. Further,tracks of rectangular cross-section, particularly where each trackelement was of a solid cross-section, required external coupling devicesand external pivot hinges to secure various track and switch elementstogether. This increased the probability of interference between thetrack and trolley mechanism as the trolley advanced along the tracknetwork. Further, each track element had to be singularly welded orotherwise secured to the next element in line, making alteration of aninstalled track network difficult and expensive.

The switches of the prior art were difficult to install, requiringprecise alignment with respect to track sections and often requiringweldments to ensure proper coupling. Each switch had external seatingmembers and external pivot hinges for controlling the various switchelements. These external devices often created unnecessary interferencewith trolley mechanisms. Further, each switch included one continuoustrack member, integral with the main track, making the mechanism heavyand unwieldy during installation, and requiring external seats or guidesfor aligning the switch elements therewith.

Examples of various switching devices are found, for example, in US.Pats. Nos. 3,503,336; 3,063,384; 2,944,49 I; and 2,746,397. In each ofthese patents the switch mechanism includes at least one continuoustrack section having a recess for accepting elongate switch elements.Further, each switch element of the cited patents had to be welded orsimilarly secured to existing track elements in order to operateproperly. Also due to the rectangular cross-section of the track,precise alignment of the track elements and the switch elements wasrequired to ensure proper suspension of the trolleys from the tracknetwork.

None of the prior art patents disclose a switch mechanism that islightweight, durable, easy to install and designed to be interposedbetween spaced apart end sections of track elements rather than integralwith at least one continuous track member. Further, none of the switchmechanisms permitted installation without critically limiting theangular displacement or alignment of the switch and track elements. Eachof the prior art patents also included external pivots and couplings tosecure the switch elements to the various track components, creatingadded interference wit'the trolley mechanism.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a switchmechanism for use with overhead track networks that is lightweight,durable, easy to install, and adapted to be interposed between variousspaced apart end sections of track elements.

It is further, an object of the invention to provide a switch mechanismhaving internal coupling elements, thus minimizing the interferenceencountered by a trolley passing there across.

Another object of the invention is to provide a track and switchnetworkpermitting installation and operation without requiring criticalalignment between track and switch elements.

Other features and objects of the invention will be readily apparentfrom the accompanying drawings and description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally toswitch mechanisms for overhead track systems, particularly track systemsutilizing track elements of circular crosssection.

The present invention provides a switch mechanism that may be interposedbetween spaced apart end sections of overhead main track elements havingcircular cross-section. The track network is adapted for carrying asuspended trolley from one point to another, the switch mechanismnecessary to direct a trolley along the overhead main track or anadjacent overhead spur track having like cross-section and having an endelement disposed near the main track. The switch mechanism comprises afirst elongate switch element and a second elongate switch element eachbeing selectively engageable with a primary end of the main track andeach coupled to independent secondary track elements, the elongateswitch elements being pivotally connected to a singular track andselectively joined with the primary track element to direct the trolleythereacross. I

All of the components of the track network and the switch mechanism areof circular cross section, permitting internal hinging and couplingelements to be uti- DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspectiveview of an overhead track network incorporating the switch of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the switch mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the switch mechanism, taken along line 3--3 ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the switch mechanism, taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, illustrating. the switch in thecounter position.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the. switch mechanism as shown in FIG. 4.

, FIG. 7 is an end view of the switch mechanism as in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS As illustrated in FIG. 1, theoverhead track network embodying the present invention is of circularcross section, having an overhead main track designated generally as 8,and at least one adjacent overhead spur track 9, each track beingsupported by a number of suitable suspending hangar supports 13. Theswitch mechanism of the present invention is interposed between the ends8a and 8b of the main track and adjacent the end 9a of the spur trackfor selectively directing trolley along main track 8 or spur track.9.

The trolley may carry any variety of objects, for example, garments 12,suspended from rod 11. Flanged wheels 14, rotatably carried in framesand secured to depending support arms 16 are pivotally attached to rod11 at 18 to permit cornering of the trolley as it passes along the tracknetwork. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, wheels 14 are V flanged to seatproperly on the circular track elements without regard to the angulardisplacement thereof, and to ensure proper suspension of trolley 15without interference in travel.

The switch mechanism for transferring trolley 15 from the main track tothe spur track, or vice versa, is best illustrated in FIGS. 2-7. When aswitch element is said to be open, trolley 15 cannot pass onto the trackcontrolled by the switch element; and conversely, when a switch elementis said to be closed, the trolley may pass uninterruptedly onto thetrack so controlled. The switch mechanism is adapted to be interposedbetween spaced apart ends 80 and 8b of the main track, and end 8a of themain track and end 9a of the spur track. Since the switch mechanismalways couples end 8a with either end 9a or end 8b, end 8a is designatedas the primary track end and ends 90 and 8b are designated as secondaryends.

By utilizing tubular track elements having substantially uniform innerand outer diameters, a primary coupling insert 10 may be simplyintroduced into primary end 8a by providing a reduced end portion 17having an outer diameter substantially conforming to the inner diameterof the track element. The central portion of the coupling has a diametersubstantially conforming to the outer diameter of the track element,thus providing a smooth, continuous surface for the wheels 14. Likewise,pivot coupling inserts 19 and 21 are inserted into respective secondaryend 8b and 9a. Elongate switch elements 58 and 60 are each pivotallysecured to their respective pivot coupling inserts 19 and 21 and areadapted to be selectively engaged with the primary coupling insert 10,to alternately close the switch between ends 8a and 8b or ends 8a and9a.

A countermotion for switch elements 58 and 60, requiring that at alltimes one element is closed and one element is open, is provided by themechanism carried by the rigid yoke designated generally by the numeral22. Depending legs 26 and 28 of the yoke are fixedly secured to theirrespective pivot couplings 19 and 21 at 30. By securing the yokemechanism in this manner, rather than to track elements 8 and 9, noalteration of the track elements is required when it is desired toinstall a switch mechanism in an existing track network. Thus, switchesmay be added to or deleted from a track system efficiently andeconomically, permitting alteration of the network at minimal cost byinserting or 4 withdrawing couplings 10 and 19, and 21 attached to theappropriate switch.

Spring tensioner arm 49, pivotally attached to depending leg 28 at 50,controls the position of switch elements 58 and 60 by positioningoperating pitman 40 of bell crank 34 pivotally attached at 35 to header24 of the yoke 22. A first upright link 42 of the bellcrank is locatedon one side 36 of pivot 35 and is pivotally attached to control arm 52which is rigidly secured to element 58 at 53. To provide element 60 witha countermotion, a second upright link 44 is located on the other side38 of pivot 35 and is pivotally secured to control arm 54 which isattached to element 60 at 55. Thus, when spring tensioner arm 49 is inthe position shown in FIG. 4, element 60 of the switch is closed,coupling primary end 8a with secondary end 8b. The counterposition isshown in FIG. 5, wherein the spring tensioner arm is rotated past pivot50, closing element 58 and opening element 60, thus coupling primary end8a with secondary end 9a.

To ensure proper closing of elements 58 or 60 when the spring tensionerarm is rotated, a spring 46 is secured at one end to stud 47 of the armand at the other end to stud 48 extending from and fixedly secured todepending leg 28. The spring tension will draw arm 49 toward stud 48whenever the arm is rotated in either direction past pivot 50' thusproperly seating each element 58 or 60 on end portion 72 of primarycoupling 10.

Switch elements 58 and 60 may be activated either by pulling tether line51, thus rotating arm 49 past center 50, or by motion of trolley 15. Aswheel 14 approaches the switch mechanism along track 9, see arrow A,FIGS. 4 and 5, it will progress along the track forcing element 58 toclose and alternatively, element 60 to open. As this happens, bellcrank34 rocks on pivot 35, arm 48 rotates past the center 50, spring 46pulling the arm and the switch element into place. The elements willthen be locked in this position until another trolley approaches alongtrack 8, or the switch is reversed by pulling tether line 51.

By utilizing track and switch elements of circular cross section it ispossible to provide internal pivots in and element seats or guides forthe switch mechanism, thus reducing the interference of trolleyadvancement normally encountered at switch mechanisms. Primary coupling10 includes two reduced end portions 17 and 72, conforming substantiallyto the inner diameter of the track elements. End 17 of the coupling issimply inserted in primary end 8a and embraced by the interior wall ofthe track element 8. The coupling may be secured to the track by epoxyor other suitable adhesive substances if desired. End portion 72provides a suitable seat for the switch elements, each element having anarcuate surface 68 extending beyond end 70 for that purpose. Eacharcuate extension has an outer peripheral surface conforming to theouter diameter of the track elements and the coupling 10, and aninternal surface conforming to the outer diameter of the reduced endportion 72. The arcuate surface spans less than allowing each element 58and 60 to be simply lifted or pivoted away from and/or toward coupling10, opening and/or closing the switch. By providing the track elements,coupling 10, arcuate extension 68, and each switch element 58 and 60with an outer peripheral surface generated by a constant radius, asmooth continuous track is provided, even over the switch couplings.Further, angular displacement of the various components is not criticalsince the wheel 14 will be seated on any portion of the peripheralsurface without creating interference.

The pivot end of each switch element is likewise adapted to the circulartrack to provide minimum interference. Pivot or secondary coupling 19and 21, as primary coupling 10, include a reduced end portion 17 adaptedto be inserted in the end of the track elements. The remaining body ofthe pivot coupling conforms to the outer diameter'of the track elementsto provide a smooth continuous track surface.

The opposite end of each pivot coupling is bifurcated to provide socket66 adapted to receive ear 64 of each switch element. A pivot pin 62 isthen placed through a diameter of the coupling body and perpendicular tothe walls of the bifurcated end portion to provide an internal pivot foreach switch element 58 and 60. Thus, it can be seen that the switchelements 58 and 60 are pivoted on pin 62 whenever spring tensioner arm49 is activated thereby, selectively seating extension 68'of eitherelement 58 or element 60 on end portion 72 of coupling 10, whilesimultaneously withdrawing the other switch element.

To improve the rigidity of the switch mechanism, support arm 56 may besecured to the primary end of the switch at coupling and one of thesecondary ends of the switch at one of the secondary pivot couplingshere shown at coupling 21. For light weight applications the arm is notnecessary, however, it may be desirable to improve the rigidity anddurability of the track system.

While most switch mechanisms elevate the open element, by utilizing themechanism here shown, the elements may be opened and closed from avariety of positions without increasing the interference encountered bywheel 14 progressing from track elements'to switch elements. Further,while the particular embodiments here shown include a pair of switchelements, it should be understood that the teachings of the inventionmay be utilized with any number of elements.

What is claimed is:

l. A switch mechanism for selectively coupling the laterally spaced endsof a main track of circular crosssection with each other or for couplingone of said laterally spaced main track ends with the spaced end of asecondary track of circular cross-section, said switch mechanismcomprising: a first elongate switch element and a second elongate switchelement each of circular cross-section; a first coupling unit, a secondcoupling unit and a primary coupling unit, each of circular crosssection; means pivotally interconnecting one end of each of saidelongate switch elements to one end of said first and second couplingunits, respectively; means immovably securing each of said threecoupling units in spaced, fixed relationship, wherein one end of saidprimary coupling unit is adapted to be alternatively engaged by the freeend of said first and second switch elements; each of said threecoupling units terminating in -a free, outer, track-end engagingportion; and means operable for elevating the free outer end of a switchelement from engagement with an end of said primary coupling unit as thefree outer end of the other switch element is advanced toward seatingengagement with the said end of said primary coupling unit.

2. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 1, wherein the free, outer,track engaging portion of each of the coupling units are adapted toeffect a slip fit connection with the respective ends of the main andsecondary tracks.

3. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 1, wherein the adjacentends of the switch elements and the primary coupling unit are adapted toprovide an uninterrupted upper semi-circular track surface when the freeend of either of the switch elements engage said coupling unit.

4. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 1, wherein the pivotallyinterconnected ends of each of switch element provides an interruptedupper semicircular track surface with their respective coupling unitswhen the opposite end of a switch element engages the primary couplingunit.

5. A switch mechanism for selectively coupling the laterally spaced endsof a main track of circular crosssection with each other or forconnecting one of said ends with the end of a secondary track ofcircular cross-section wherein the switch mechanism comprises a firstelongate switch element having one end pivotally mounted relative to theend of one secondary track element for alternative disposition to anoperative position of engagement with and an inoperative position ofdisengagementfrom the end of the primary track element, a secondelongate switch element having an end pivotally mounted relative to theend of the other secondary track element for alternative disposition toan operative position of engagement with and an inoperative position ofdisengagement from said end of the primary track element.

6. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 5,

wherein each of said track elements are elongate tubular members havingsubstantially uniform inner and outer diameters. v 7. A switch mechanismas called for in claim 6, including a coupling member adapted to beinserted in and to extend outward from the end of primary track element.

8. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 7, wherein said couplingmember is of circular crosssection having a diameter substantiallyconforming to the inner diameter of said track elements.

9. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 7, wherein each of saidswitch elements includes a second end, said second end adapted to beselectively engaged and disengaged with said coupling member.

10. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 9, wherein said second endincludes an arcuate extension having a peripheral surface conformingsubstantially to the outer diameter of said track elementsand spanningless than said extension adapted for selective engagement anddisengagement with said coupling member.

11. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 5, wherein the first endof each of said elongate switch elements is pivotally secured to a pivotcoupling, said pivot coupling adapted to be fixedly secured to the endof a secondary track element.

12. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 11,

wherein said pivot coupling includes a first end portion adapted to beinserted in the end of a secondary element.

13. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 12, wherein said first endportion is of circular crosssection having a diameter substantiallyconforming to the inner diameter of said track-elements.

14. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 11, wherein said pivotcoupling includes a second, bifurcated end portion containing aninternal pin for pivotally carrying the first end of each switchelement.

15. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 14, wherein said secondend portion is of circular crosssection, havinga diameter substantiallyconforming to the outer diameter of said track elements.

16. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 14, wherein said switchelements are of circular crosssection, the first end of each switchelement including an elongate projection substantially spanning thediaming to the outer diameter of said track elements.

1. A switch mechanism for selectively coupling the laterally spaced endsof a main track of circular cross-section with each other or forcoupling one of said laterally spaced main track ends with the spacedend of a secondary track of circular crosssection, said switch mechanismcomprising: a first elongate switch element and a second elongate switchelement each of circular cross-section; a first coupling unit, a secondcoupling unit and a primary coupling unit, each of circularcross-section; means pivotally interconnecting one end of each of saidelongate switch elements to one end of said first and second couplingunits, respectively; means immovably securing each of said threecoupling units in spaced, fixed relationship, wherein one end of saidprimary coupling unit is adapted to be alternatively engaged by the freeend of said first and second switch elements; each of said threecoupling units terminating in a free, outer, track-end engaging portion;and means operable for elevating the free outer end of a switch elementfrom engagement with an end of said primary coupling unit as the freeouter end of the other switch element is advanced toward seatingengagement with the said end of said primary coupling unit.
 2. A switchmechanism as called for in claim 1, wherein the free, outer, trackengaging portion of each of the coupling units are adapted to effect aslip fit connection with the respective ends of the main and secondarytracks.
 3. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 1, wherein theadjacent ends of the switch elements and the primary coupling unit areadapted to provide an uninterrupted upper semi-circular track surfacewhen the free end of either of the switch elements engage said couplingunit.
 4. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 1, wherein thepivotally interconnected ends of each of switch element provides aninterrupted upper semi-circular track surface with their respectivecoupling units when the opposite end of a switch element engages theprimary coupling unit.
 5. A switch mechanism for selectively couplingthe laterally spaced ends of a main track of circular cross-section witheach other or for connecting one of said ends with the end of asecondary track of circular cross-section wherein the switch mechanismcomprises a first elongate switch element having one end pivotallymounted relative to the end of one secondary track element foralternative disposition to an operative position of engagement with andan inoperative position of disengagement from the end of the primarytrack element, a second elongate switch element having an end pivotallymounted relative to the end of the other secondary track element foralternative disposition to an operative position of engagement with andan inoperative position of disengagement from said end of the primarytrack element.
 6. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 5, whereineach of said track elements are elongate tubular members havingsubstantially uniform inner and outer diameters.
 7. A switch mechanismas called for in claim 6, including a coupling member adapted to beinserted in and to extend outward from the end of primary track element.8. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 7, wherein said couplingmember is of circular cross-section having a diameter substantiallyconforming to the inner diameter of said track elements.
 9. A switchmechanism as called for in claim 7, wherein each of said switch elementsincludes a second end, said sEcond end adapted to be selectively engagedand disengaged with said coupling member.
 10. A switch mechanism ascalled for in claim 9, wherein said second end includes an arcuateextension having a peripheral surface conforming substantially to theouter diameter of said track elements and spanning less than 180*, saidextension adapted for selective engagement and disengagement with saidcoupling member.
 11. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 5,wherein the first end of each of said elongate switch elements ispivotally secured to a pivot coupling, said pivot coupling adapted to befixedly secured to the end of a secondary track element.
 12. A switchmechanism as called for in claim 11, wherein said pivot couplingincludes a first end portion adapted to be inserted in the end of asecondary element.
 13. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 12,wherein said first end portion is of circular cross-section having adiameter substantially conforming to the inner diameter of said trackelements.
 14. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 11, wherein saidpivot coupling includes a second, bifurcated end portion containing aninternal pin for pivotally carrying the first end of each switchelement.
 15. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 14, wherein saidsecond end portion is of circular cross-section, having a diametersubstantially conforming to the outer diameter of said track elements.16. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 14, wherein said switchelements are of circular cross-section, the first end of each switchelement including an elongate projection substantially spanning thediameter of said switch element and adapted to be pivotally carried bysaid internal pin.
 17. A switch mechanism as called for in claim 16,wherein each of said switch elements has a diameter substantiallyconforming to the outer diameter of said track elements.
 18. A switchmechanism as called for in claim 6, wherein each of said switch elementsis of circular cross-section, having a diameter substantially conformingto the outer diameter of said track elements.